It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the forthcoming retirement of our beloved Director / middle-schooler-wrangler / fervent tea-lover Arlene Arris. Arlene started working for the Town of Freeport in 1975 and has held several different job titles and duties throughout her 46-year library career, culminating in her acceptance of Library Director in early 2016. She read stories to generations of children, marveled when those same babies returned to the Freeport area with families of their own, and has even been able to welcome her own grandchildren at the library entrance after the last bell at FMS rings. She was an integral player in moving B. H. Bartol Library’s collection to the new Freeport Community Library building, and quietly championed the health and safety of her staff and the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When you work with someone for so long, you begin to take on their attributes; so too have we adopted Arlene’s enduring kindness and quality service.
As a matter of public health, Arlene has made the decision not to have a retirement party. Instead, we invite community members to stop by the library the last two weeks of December. You’ll be able to write a nice note for us to put up on the wall, look at photos of Arlene through the years, and jump in line to wish this wonderful woman a very happy retirement. Her last day will be Thursday, December 30, 2021.
We are also collecting sweet words, succinct memories, and photos ahead of time. Please submit a paragraph message (no longer than 100 words; longer messages may be trimmed to fit) and/or photos to Meghan at mfogg@freeportmaine.com
Back by popular demand!!
BookPage is a free monthly publication featuring upcoming titles, author interviews, & reviews of that month's latest books in children's, teens & adult fiction & non-fiction. Copies of the newest issue are available at FCL each month while supplies last.
Can't get to the library to pick up the latest BookPage? You can view current and past issues online here.
Museum Passes
The Friends of Freeport Community Library and the Freeport Conservation Trust generously donate several family museum and park passes each year to patrons of Freeport Community Library. All passes are good for either free or reduced admission.
It’s easy to reserve your pass. Simply pick a date and contact the library to see if the pass is available. When you stop by the library to pick up the pass make sure to bring your library card. Passes can only be issued to card holders in good standing. We are only able to issue one pass a day for each attraction so if your plans change, let us know so that the pass may be used by others. Please give us a call at (207) 865-3307 to reserve a pass or for more information.
December Spice Club: Organic Cardamom Powder
Pickup begins Monday, December 13 at 10:00AM
Spice Club is a monthly take-and-make craft for adults. Swing by the library to pick up the month's unique spice and try one of the included recipes, or seek out your own inspiration!
The featured December spice is organic cardamom seed powder. Spice Club kits include pre-portioned spice in a reusable 4 oz. Ball jar as well as regional/historical background and at least two recipes printed on cardstock. Pickup begins December 13 at 10:00AM and will continue until supplies run out.
This take-and-make craft is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the library, call (207) 865-3307 or visitfreeportlibrary.com.
Find your next seasonal read.....
Spiced Snowflakes
Thursday, December 2 at 11:00AM
Ages 4 and up
The scent of cinnamon will fill the air while making this grab-and-go craft—and will linger long after you’re done! Make a spiced snowflake decoration out of applesauce and cinnamon using a cookie cutter, all ready to take home in a grab-and-go kit. It will smell amazing no matter where you hang it! Kits will be available Thursday, December 2 starting at 11:00AM, while supplies last. This craft is for kids ages 4 and up.
This event is free and open to the public. Kits can be picked up during regular library hours. For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
Teen Craft: Boho Garland
Tuesday, December 7 at 2:30PM
Ages 11 and up
Decorate a room, give as a gift, or hang on a tree—this garland has many possibilities! Design a garland using colorful wool balls, wooden beads, and yarn for tassels. The grab-and-go kit at the Freeport Community Library will have all that you need to make one. Pick up a kit starting on Tuesday, December 7 at 2:30PM, while supplies last, so check the library’s website or call for availability before you come. This craft is for kids ages 11 and up.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
